Extract from Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman

MonticelloJune. 24. 26.

may it be to the world what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others
later, but finally to all,) the Signal of arousing men to burst the chains, under
which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and
to assume the blessings & security of self government. that form which we have substituted
restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion.
all eyes are opened, or opening to the rights of man. the general spread of the light
of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth that the mass of
mankind has not been born, with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and
spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of god.